The do’s and don’ts of looking after your tyres

Look after your tyres and they’ll give you many years of happy and safe motoring. Here’s Paul Cowland’s top tips for keeping your car’s boots in fabulous condition.

There are no two ways about it; tyres are the most essential component of your car. Whatever you’re asking your motor to do, knowing that your tyres are at the very top of their game will make your journey safer, more comfortable, and let’s be blunt about it in the current economic climate, a little easier on your pocket.

I could write a veritable coffee-table book on the many ways to look after your tyres, but here’s my quick management summary, because I know how busy you all are. 

DO these 

DO check tyre pressure regularly

If you’re nerdy, like me, do this once a week, particularly if you’re driving something a little sporty, but at the very minimum, I want to see that pressure gauge coming out once a month. 

Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, or bar, for our younger readers (usually on the driver’s door frame, or in the manual) and drive on smugly, knowing that you’re getting the best tyre life and MPG from your motor. Saving cash from the get-go!

DO visually inspect your tyres every month

It’s always way more fun to find an issue before it becomes a problem. Looking for cuts, cracks, bulges, embedded objects (like nails), uneven wear, or sidewall damage on your driveway is always the less stressful way than examining a puncture on a wet motorway. It’s also a LOT cheaper. 

If you can, turn both front wheels to their full left and right lock to have a look inside the tyres, and don’t forget the spare! Usually, the most unloved tyre on your car.

DO monitor tread depth

Treat yourself to a gauge or use a 20p coin to let you know you’re groovy enough to shift the water when the rain comes. If you can see the outer band of the coin when inserted into the main tread grooves, replace the tyres. 

The UK legal minimum may say 1.6mm across the central three-quarters, but we trade professionals aim for replacement around 3mm for better wet grip and hugely increased safety. Don’t run them to the wear bars if you want maximum stickiness and minimal stopping distances. And, let’s face it, who doesn’t?

DO rotate tyres regularly

Every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (or as per your car’s manual) you want to swap them left to right and front to back, in a display of automotive line dancing that will even out the wear across all four tyres, and ensure you get the maximum mileage from your spend. 

DO get a wheel alignment session and your balancing checked

Make this a little annual treat for your motor that pays for itself a dozen times over. As always with tyres, prevention is MUCH more fun than cure, but if you notice pulling, vibration, or uneven wear, it’s time to visit your Envoy dealer, relax with a coffee and watch your car have a chiropractic session to get everything perfectly aligned.

I guarantee you’ll get every penny back in reduced tyre wear, and as for the joy of improved handling? Well, that’s priceless!

DO drive smoothly wherever possible

Not only will it be hugely appreciated by the kids and mother-in-law, but it’ll also give your tyres a much easier ride. If you avoid harsh acceleration, sudden braking, and high-speed cornering where possible, your tyres will wear much more evenly. If you have a high performance vehicle and you enjoy unleashing its potential from time to time – in a controlled environment of course – the Motiva UHP tyre is designed to handle such scenarios brilliantly. 

As you’re a grown up now, this is one of those classic cases where you get to choose. Drive like a retired vicar for maximum miles. Drive (legally) like Lewis Hamilton for maximum smiles. But like Sir Lewis, expect to make more regular tyre changes if you do.

DO avoid overloading your vehicle

Every car and van has a maximum load capacity that’s on the chassis plate, in your owner’s manual and on the net, so it is always best to stick to your car’s maximum load capacity to prevent excessive strain on tyres. 

DO park carefully

Although we have made our commercial tyres like the Vertra exceptionally tough and durable, it’s still not a great idea to smash up and down kerbs, even if you’re very late for a delivery. 

By taking a slower, more gentle and angled approach, you’ll prevent any sidewall damage, keep your fillings intact AND prevent your coffee from going in your lap. That’s a triple-win in my book.

DON’T EVER do these things

DON’T drive with under-inflated or over-inflated tyres

But seeing as you’re checking your tyres every week now, I don’t need to mention this, do I? Under-inflation causes overheating, excessive wear on shoulders, and poor handling. It’s also the single greatest cause of motorway blow-outs.

That said, don’t go too far the other way. Over-inflation leads to uneven centre wear of the tread and reduced grip, which is almost as bad. Stick to the manufacturer’s settings and don’t forget to adjust upward for extra passengers and loads, as per their recommendations.

DON’T ignore warning signs

Is your car telling you something important? Vibrations, wobbling, pulling to one side, or unusual noise. These are symptoms that indicate alignment, balance, or tyre issues that need immediate attention. Putting them off isn’t the saving you think it is, so drive gently and carefully to your nearest Envoy dealer. 

DON’T mix tyre types/sizes carelessly

Avoid fitting mismatched tyres (different brands, patterns, or sizes) unless specified by the manufacturer, as it affects handling, increases differential wear and can be dangerous. It’s not clever to mix brands across the same axle, either, as they’ll grip differently and move water at different rates. Not ideal when you’re performing an emergency stop in the wet!

Naturally, a full set of ‘A’ wet rated Envoys at each corner is the ideal solution, or at least a pair on the axle in question. Failing that, ensure a quality set of matched tyres, under 7 years old with plenty of tread, and you’re golden.

DON’T delay replacing worn, damaged or old tyres

Never drive on tyres below the legal tread depth or with visible damage, as it risks aquaplaning, blowouts, or failure. Similarly, don’t drive on a tyre that’s older than 7 years old if you can avoid it, either. Tyres are ideally swapped every 5 years, to stay grippy and safe, but can be nurtured to last a little longer if you follow the tips above. After that, it’s time to say a tearful farewell, my friends and treat yourself to a new set. Don’t forget seasonal considerations, either. Here in the UK, we don’t mandate winter tyres like some countries do, but don’t stick with summer tyres if you drive a lot in heavy winter conditions. Consider winter tyres for better grip in cold/snowy weather or All-Seasons if you’re wanting to keep your options open.

DON’T slam into potholes or curbs

This can cause internal damage that’s not visible externally. As above, take it easy or drive around, if you can. Although, judging by the current state of the roads, that may be impossible!

DON’T deflate hot tyres when checking pressures

Never release air from warm tyres after driving, as pressure reads much higher when hot. Wait until they are cool for accurate adjustments, and an inherent sense of inner smugness.

DON’T overload or exceed speed/load ratings

Every tyre is rated to a weight and a speed for your vehicle, so it’s essential that you choose the right one. Naturally, your Envoy dealer knows precisely what you need, but if you’re shopping elsewhere just remember that the right size doesn’t make it the right tyre. Ignoring sidewall markings for max load/speed can lead to a fairly dramatic tyre failure, and that’s really not how you want your journey to end.

And there you have it. Not an exhaustive list, by any means, but a quick guide to literally keep you on the straight and narrow. If you’re not sure, your local Envoy dealer will happily perform a tyre check to make sure you’re as safe as you can be, and if need be, upgrade to make sure you’re safe and comfortable for many miles to come.